Letter pad



Dec. 1, 1953 M, GABER 2,661,224

LETTER PAD Filed May 24. 1950 I 4 Sheets-Sheet l IN VEN TOR.

ATTORNEYS.

M. GABER LETTER PAD Dec. 1, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 24, 1950 INVENTOR. i f mf pm %O%1%'% Dec. 1, 1953 M. GABER 2,661,224

LETTER PAD Filed May 24, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 uvmv TOR.

Wm wMZ@/% ATTORNE 5.

Deb. 1, 1953 M. GABER 2,661,224

LETTER PAD Filed May 24, 1950 4 Sheets-She'et 4 IN V EN TOR.

ATTORNEYS.

Patented Dec. 1, 1953 LETTER PAD Martin Gaber, Chicago, Ill.

Application May 24, 1950, Serial No. 163,913

2 Claims.

This invention relates to letter pads, and more particularly, to a new and improved letter pad from which a mailable original and a file copy are simultaneously prepared.

In many business transactions, there are many occasions where merely a note suflices to convey the desired information, such as the existence, cost, whereabouts, utility, replacement part, or the operation of certain items. It is always desirable to have a record of the information dispensed, yet one seldom can afford the time, expense, and labor required for the preparation of a formal letter with a file copy. There is a need for a pad upon which one could note the particular information-the original of which could be given or mailed to the other party while an exact copy, which is simultaneously prepared, would remain for filing. Though not as formal as a letter or the like, a pad of the type described could serve a very useful purpose in expediting business transactions, that is, the quick and efflcient preparation and recording of certain information.

It is an object of this invention to provide a letter pad upon which notes may be made for a particular transaction-the original of which may be immediately mailed or otherwise distributed, while a duplicate remains for filing as a permanent record.

Another object is to provide a simple and low cost letter pad having novel features of construction and arrangement whereby the original, with comments thereon, may be removed from the pad and mailed and an exact copy, which is simultaneously formed, may be removed and filed in its appropriate place.

A further object is to produce a letter pad of the type described in which the original is removed as a sheet which may be folded to form its own completely sealed envelope, and it is a related object to provide for easy and quick opening of the letter or note into a presentable letter without fear of mutilation of the letter portion containing the written information.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter appear and for pur poses of illustration, but not of limitation, embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a letter pad embodying features of this invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 2--2 of Figure 1;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pad shown in Figure 1 but with the top sheet opened and partially torn from the pad;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the top sheet separated from the pad of Figure 1 and partially folded for mailing;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the sheet shown in Figure 4 but in an advanced stage of folding;

Figure 6 is a plan view showing the top sheet folded and ready for mailing;

Figure 7 is an end elevational view of the folded letter shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a top plan view of a modification in the top sheet embodying features of this invention;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the sheet shown in Figure 8 folded for mailing;

Figure 10 is a sectional elevational view taken along the line Ill-l0 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a top sheet showing a still further modification;

Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating the technique of folding the top sheet of Figure 11 for purposes of mailing;

Figure 13 is an elevational View of the top sheet shown in Figure 11 folded and ready for mailing;

Figure 14 is a plan view of a still further modific'ation, embodying features of this invention;

Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the technique for opening a letter formed by the Figure 20 is a sectional view taken along the lines 2ll20 of Figure 19.

The concepts of this invention are embodied in a pad formed with a cover sheet A and a plurality of sheets B of paper of substantially the same dimension, combined along their one edge by an adhesive or by a staple I0 or the like. Each sheet is folded along a line across the intermediate portion of the sheet to provide a bottom sheet II and a top sheet l2. The upper edges of the bottom sheets H are secured one to another while the corresponding edge of the top sheet is unattached and spaced from the bottom sheet so that the top sheet will be free for the insertion of a carbon 13 between the top sheet l2 and the bottom sheet II when the unit is located in the top position in the pad. A single carbon connected to the upper edge portion of the pad may be used, or in the event that the pad has a large number of pages. it may be more expedient to supply a clean carbon intermittently. In this instance, the used carbon on top may be discarded. Instead of providing carbons integral with the pad, it may be convenient for many purposes to insert loose carbons between the respective sheets.

When an arrangement of the type described is employed, it will be manifest that notes, letters or any written matter made on the top sheet of the pad will simultaneously be transmitted to the bottom sheet associated therewith so long as a carbon is positioned therebetween.- It is possible to separate the top sheet from the bottom sheet before or after the bottom sheet is separated from the pad. Since the two sheets have exactly the same written information, the top sheet can be given or sent to the party desiring the particular information, while the bottom sheet can be Written as a file copy.

If the pad is to be used in a particular type of industry or predetermined types of information are usually requested, the top sheet may be printed with constant information, such as the name, address, telephone number, return address and the like of the sender, along with other terms applicable to the preparation of a quick memorandum such as the name and address of the receiver and such terms as items recommended, number on hand, possible specifications, price, location and remarks. To expedite the separation of the top and bottom sheets from the pad independently of the carbon, the bottom sheet may be perforated or scored across the top while the top sheet may be arranged to be separated from the bottom sheet along similar tear lines at or near their meeting edge. In its simplest form, the tear line between the top and bottom sheets will constitute perforations at their meeting edge.

In the modification shown in Figures 1-7 of the drawings, means are provided for permitting ready separation of the top sheet I2 in a manner which enables the top sheet to be folded into a neat and sealed envelope of convenient size which requires only the addressing of the outside to make the letter ready for mailing.

The top sheet I2 is separable from the bottom sheet ll along perforations defining lines 14 and I5 spaced upwardly a short distance from the bottom edge and which extend about one quarter of the distance across the page from each lateral edge. The perforations continue along lines l6 and I1 respectively which taper downwardly to the fold l8 and these are connected by perforations l9 through the remainder of the fold. The central bottom flap 20 thus formed at the bottom portion of the top sheet is provided with an adhesive 2| that is sensitized by moisture for subsequent adhesion.

In operation, the top sheet I2 is lifted partially from the pad and the carbon 13 is inserted between the top and bottom sheets. The pad is thus made ready for use in writing a. note which comments on a certain article or the like. After the note has been written in the space provided in the top sheet l2, the top sheet may be torn from the bottom sheet along the perforated portions described, as shown in Figure 3. Separation of the type described may be effected, if desired, after the top and bottom sheets 4 have been separated as a unit from the pad and the carbon.

After the top sheet l2 has been separated, the lateral quarter sections 22 and 23 may be folded over to cover the written portion, as shown in Figure 4. Then the laterally folded unit may be folded up along the line intersecting the sheet so that the bottom edge substantially coincides with the upper edge and with the bottom flap free of the meeting edges, as shown in Figure 5. Then the flap 20 may be moistened, folded over, and adhered onto the adjacent back wall portion of the sheet to provide a sealed envelope with the written matter completely sealed therem.

As previously pointed out, the back wall portion, which will be uppermost when the sheet is folded into an envelope, may be printed with the return address and with notations for stamping and addressing.

In the modification shown in Figures 8-10 1nclusive, the perforations or scored line 30, separating the top sheet 3| from the bottom sheet are at the fold. The upper third of the top sheet is adapted to contain such constant information as is necessary with respect to business and the location of the sender, which in printed form may also function as the return address of the envelope when it is folded. It may designate one corner for stamping, while the lower portion of the upper third may be used for writing the persons name and address to whom the information is to be given, the name and address so placed serving both as a record for the file copy and as the address for mailing in the usual manner. The lateral and bottom portions 32, and 33, about the lower third of the sheet are provided with adhesive 34 and for purposes of facilitating opening of the envelope which will be formed in the manner described, that portion having the adhesive thereon may be separated from the body portion by perforations 35. In this modification, the sender may write the name and address of the recipient in the place provided in the upper third of the sheet. The desired letter or notation may then be written in the bottom two thirds of the sheet and when this has been accomplished, the top sheet may then be separated from the bottom sheet along the perforations. The bottom sheet having the same written matter may be separated from the pad before or after the top sheet has been separated therefrom.

Thereafter, the lower portion 36 of the top sheet 3| is folded up over the middle third 31, substantially to seal all of the written matter except the name and the address of the receiver. The lower two thirds of the top sheet is then sealed all around by the adhesive and the letter is then ready for mailing.

By the use of this modification, it is unnecessary to address the envelope after it has been folded. All of the necessary information for mailing is present in the first instance in the upper third of the sheet with an exact copy on the bottom sheet for filing.

To open, the receiver need only displace the adhered portion, but to simplify opening, it is an important concept of this invention to provide tear lines just beyond the adhered portion. but outside the area adapted for writing upon. In this way, the envelope can be opened to provide a neat letter by tearing along the perforations or the like.

Figures 11-13 inclusive disclose a still further modification in a top sheet 40 which provides greater writing area and which conveniently opens up into a neat and presentable letter. In this modification, perforations are provided at the fold to separate the top sheet All from the bottom sheet l l. The top sheet has a rectangular body portion ii with narrow flaps 42, 43, and 4 all around the lower half and preferably separated from the body portion by perforations 61 5. One side flap, such as flap and one half of the bottom flap 44 are provided with adhesive 46. When the notations or comments have been written on the body portion of the top sheet and simultaneously duplicated. on the bottom sheet through the carbon, the top sheet 30 may be separated from the body sheet along the perforations separating the two sheets.

Thereafter, the top sheet may be folded in half along the line horizontally intersecting the body portion. folded transversely along a vertical line intersecting the body portion as shown in Figure 12. This brings the projections t2 and 43 in face to face relation in which position they may be adhered upon activation of the adhesive.

When it is desired to open the envelope so formed, the bonded flaps may be torn from the body portion along the perforations, leaving a rectangular Written letter page.

The modification shown in Figures 14 and 15 correspond substantially to the modification just described, except that the flaps 42A and 43A extend all around the body portion MA. The portion provided with adhesive 41 covers one half of the fiap area, as shown in Figure 14.

After the written matter has been placed on the body portion of the top sheet, the top sheet is separated from the bottom. The top sheet is then folded along a horizontal line intersecting the body portion so that the flaps are brought into face to face relation, one wall of which has adhesive for effecting a sealed relation.

By tearing along the perforated lines 48 separating the flap sections from the body portion, the flap portions which are stuck together may be removed and the letter opened.

The modification shown in Figures 16, 17, and 18, differ from the modification previously described in connection with Figures 1-7 in that the 0 top edge portion of the top sheet 58 is provided with a flap M which corresponds dimensionally and lies substantially in the same relative position as the flap shown in figure 1. Each of these flaps 2% and 5! are separated from the body portion 59 by scored lines or perforations 52 and 53.

When the separated top sheet is folded in the manner described for the modification in Figure l, the bottom flap 2% comes into face to face relation with the top flap 5| so that a sealing relation can be established therebetween without folding and adhering either of the flaps onto any part of the body portion. To open, it is only necessary to tear off the projecting naps which are sealed together and a neat and compact open letter is provided.

Instead of having the top and bottom sheets connected along their bottom edges, the desired characteristics can be secured when the top sheet and the bottom sheet are joined along a lateral edge portion. In this event, the top sheet may be opened as in a page of a book for insertion of a carbon therebetween or for separation of the top sheet from the bottom sheet in advance of The folded unit is then again the separation of the bottom sheet from the top for filing.

A broader concept of this invention comprises the arrangement wherein top and bottom sheets are secured together along an edge portion which may be the same as the edge portion in which the plurality of sheets in stacked relation are secured one to another in the pad. One such modification is shown in Figure 19 wherein. a plurality of top sheets 6 3 alternating with a plurality of bottom sheets 5! are secured by adhesive 62 along one edge 68. The carbon 6 may be attached to a backing sheet 55 fixed to the underside of the pad in a manner to permit insertion the carbon between the uppermost top and bottom sheet from any direction other than the joined edge portion 63.

The top sheet arrangement shown in Figure 1' is that which corresponds to the modification shown in Figures 16 to 18 inclusive. the top bottom sheet being connected along a fold line, the modification herein described permits the top sheet to be constructed without in' fluence of the bottom sheet because it may be combined in the pad without direct connection therewith.

Thus, the top sheet may be formed with tear lines 66 and E1 to form a flap 6% with adhesive 69 thereon at one end while the other end portion may be formed with the flap l5 which may also have utility in enhancing handling of the top sheet for insertion of the carbon and removal from the pad.

In the event that the modification of Figures 1 to '7 is desired in the top sheet, the tear lines 68 and El adjacent the joined end portion may be eliminated reliance being had on the fiap 16 with adhesive thereon to efiect the assembled relation.

It will be further apparent that the desired effect can be secured in the modifications shown in Figures 1-7 and 16-18 inclusive if the flap members extend from other edge portions so long as the amount comprises about one half the distance across.

In a similar manner, the other modifications described may be embodied in a top sheet assembled in a pad of the type shown in Figures 19 and 20.

From the description, it will be apparent that I have provided a new and improved letter pad having the characteristics of ready separation from the pad in the form of a positive and a simultaneously formed exact copy of the written matter. These two units are readily separable along tear lines that are provided, into an original which can be folded into a neat letter suitable for mailing without the need for subsequently enclosing in a separate envelope and a file copy of the written matter.

By the use of pads embodying features of this invention, the usual notations made as an incidence to normal business operations may be used as such without retyping and mailed or otherwise delivered to a recipient for conveying the information desired by the recipient, while a permanent copy remains for filing in the usual manner.

It will be understood that pads embodying features of this invention may also be used in the course of ordinary letter writting and for many other purposes where an original and an exact copy are desired.

It will be further understood that numerous changes may be made in the details of construction, arrangement and operation without depart- Instead of ing from the spirit of the invention, especially as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A letter pad comprising a plurality of bottom sheets stacked one over the other and secured one to another along one. edge portion, perforations across each bottom sheet in the near vicinity of the connected edge to permit easy separation thereof from the stack, a top sheet overlying each bottom sheet and having letter writing space in the body portion thereof, the top sheet and the underlying bottom sheet being joined along an edge portion other than that by which the bottom sheets are secured one to another, tear lines along which the top sheet is separable from the bottom extending through the intermediate portion of the meeting edge between the top sheet and the bottom sheet for about one half the distance across the sheet, then extending upwardly to tear lines extending across the remainder of the sheet a short distance from the meeting edge, adhesive on that portion of the top sheet above the tear line along the meeting edge, and a carbon fixed onto the top of the stack along an edge portion corresponding with that of the bottom sheets for insertion between the uppermost top and bottom sheet when in position of use.

2. A letter pad comprising a plurality of bottom sheets stacked one over the other and seciu'ed one to another along one edge portion, perforations across each bottom sheet in the near vicinity of the connected edge to permit easy separation thereof from the stack, a top sheet overlying each bottom sheet and having letter writing space in the body portion thereof,

the top sheet and the underlying bottom sheet being joined along an edge portion, tear lines along which the top sheet is separable from the bottom extending through the intermediate portion of the meeting edge between the top sheet and the bottom sheet for about one half the distance across the sheet, then extending upwardly to tear lines extending across the remainder of the sheet a short distance from the meeting edge, adhesive on that portion of the top sheet above the tear line along the meeting edge, and a carbon extending over the top of the stack along an edge portion other than along the joined edge of the top and bottom sheets for insertion between the uppermost top and bottom sheet when in position of use.

MARTIN GABER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 202,874 Rogers Apr. 23, 1878 745,713 Boughton Dec. 1, 1903 1,157,290 Bottle Oct. 19, 1915 1,168,004 Keller Jan. 11, 1916 1,260,935 Moore Mar. 26, 1918 1,307,421 Schramm June 24, 1919 1,922,213 Middelton Aug. 15, 1933 2,074,821 Wissman Mar. 23, 1937 2,158,292 Lawson May 16, 1939 2,168,920 Wissman Aug. 8, 1939 2,391,673 Broudy Dec. 25, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 400,774 France Aug. 7, 1909 

